Ich!

[Nigel-James]

I am new to aquariums and owning fish. I have a 23 UK gallon aquarium with 3 Tin foil barbs, 6 (now 2) Clown loach and 2 Catfish.

4 Days ago all 6 of my Clown loach developed Ich . I done some research on treating Ich and decided to do regular 50% water changes with added small amounts of aquarium salt (1 tablespoon/5 gallons) and also turn the temperature up to 80F. Last night 4 of my Clown loach died, the outbreak of Ich does not seem to be slowing. My Tin foil barbs and Catfish do not have any white spots like the Clown loach do, however this morning I noticed my Barbs flashing against the decor.

Can anybody give me any help or advise on saving my two remaining Clown loach and to prevent my Barbs and Catfish from developing Ich.

Many thanks.

PS. I have read that Clown loach are not for beginners in the hobby, I can totally see why now, very sensitive fish.

[shari2]

hi Nigel.
Have you read the sticky?

http://forums.loaches.com/viewtopic.php?t=16721

[Nigel-James]

Thanks for the link Shari, I am currently reading through the sticky. Looks like adding salt was a mistake.

I purchased some Ich treatment & gravel vacuum today so will follow the procedure in the sticky.

Thanks.

[shari2]

Make sure you do an extra good job on the gravel vacuuming.
Also, if your medication directions differ from what's in the sticky, let us know.

Most importantly!
Do NOT stop treatment until you see NO spots for several days to a week.
Best of luck with your treatment. Ich is a major pain, but it is treatable.

[Nigel-James]

The treatment I purchased today is called Anti white spot and is manufactured by Interpet, the box has a picture of a Clown loach on the front so I assume it's loach friendly. Thanks for the help Shari, I will let you know how I get on with it all. Thanks again.

[chefkeith]

When you add salt, be sure not to remove it too quickly. Many people make the mistake of doing large water changes to get rid of the salt. This can put the fish into osmotic shock and kill the fish. Small slow water changes need to be done after the treatment is over.

Good luck with the ich treatment.

Another problem is that the fish need a much larger tank.

[Nigel-James]

Thanks for the advise cheifkeith.

Another problem is that the fish need a much larger tank.

Yes. As I have been doing more research I have realised that for the type and quantity of fish I have I will need a larger tank to keep them happy as they will grow large. Beginners mistake but i'm trying to learn quickly, and learn well.

[Nigel-James]

Loach no.5 just died, not looking good. Looks like i'm just saving the Barbs and Catfish now but they should make it through as none have spots as of yet and the Barbs are only flashing occasionally.

My water looks clean to the eye but I feel I may have water quality problems.